A View From Above on Things That Make The World Go 'Round
James Donaldson on Mental Health – Yes, politics is worsening people’s mental health—Here’s what the data shows
Posted on by
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
By Kayla Levy
Amid growing political polarization and ongoing national crises, politics has become a significant source of stress for many Americans. In fact, a national survey on stressors conducted by the American Psychological Association, or APA, in 2024 found that the future of the nation was the leading cause of significant stress among adults, with nearly eight in 10 (77%) reporting it as a major source of anxiety. The same study found that the increasingly strained political climate in the United States has prompted around two in five adults to consider moving to a different country (41%) or a different state (39%).
While political stress is often linked to other stressors—like mass shootings and housing costs—it is a distinct form of anxiety. A survey published last year found that political anxiety and generalized anxiety are different, showing how politics can cause worry and apprehension even for those without general anxiety.
People have translated at least some of this increased emotional turmoil into action. Negative emotions in response to daily politics motivated participants in a 2023 study to engage in political actions such as protesting or volunteering. Similarly, half of adults (51%) said they feel compelled to take political action as a result of their stress about the future of the nation—a significant increase from the 45% who said so in 2019, the APA found.
As politics continue to take center stage in many Americans’ lives, it’s important to examine the data and understand its impact on mental well-being. To do so, Charlie Health looked at the numbers, including data on the growing emotional toll of political stress, and its impact on family relationships and physical well-being.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Everyday Political Events Can Harm Psychological and Physical Well-Being
In two diary studies from 2023, researchers tracked participants’ daily emotional and behavioral responses to political events. They found that politics triggered at least some negative emotions in people on the vast majority (81%) of days surveyed. On those days, participants’ psychological and physical well-being worsened, with people reporting higher levels of fatigue, sickness, dissatisfaction with life, and depression.
Most People With Serious Mental Health Concerns Report Negative Effects From Political Issues
A significant portion of people with severe mental health conditions report that the current political climate exacerbates their struggles, according to one study. In fact, 75% of Charlie Health clients surveyed in January 2025 agree that the current political climate negatively impacts their mental health. As a result, over half (57%) try to avoid political discussions, highlighting the emotional toll these conversations can take. One respondent shared, “Politics is extremely detrimental to my emotional well-being. Discussions of current political affairs fill me with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, despair, anger, and depression, and worsen my suicidal urges.”
Please follow and like us:
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
Related
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
